What is 3/20 + 4/12?
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Here's how we add
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Step 1Can you add yet? Nope! The denominators don't match. We need a common denominator. So next we take both denominators and multiply them. Next, take each numerator and multiply it by the denominator of the other term. So, we multiply 3 by 12, and get 36, then we multiply 20 by 12 and get 240. Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 20, and get 80, then multiply 20 by 12 and get 240. We now have a new problem, that looks like this:
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Step 2Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators. 36 + 80 = 116 That gives us the sum, which is
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Step 3Now, do we need to simplify this fraction? First, we attempt to divide it by 2... Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:
Let's try dividing by that again... Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:
Let's try dividing by that again... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31... No good. 31 is larger than 29. So we're done reducing. There you have it! Here's the final answer to 3/20 + 4/12
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